‘Product stewardship’ regulations – even those with industry and bipartisan support – meet staunch resistance from, among others, a commissioner with former ties to corporate interests. by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story Third of three parts HERE’S WHAT WE FOUND A Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram investigation has found Patricia Aho, Read More
Maine Environmental News
Maine environmental news often comes quickly and with little warning. Stay up to date on Maine environment news.
From issues such as climate change, healthy waters, Maine forests and wildlife, and sustainability—and environmental policy that could impact them—you’ll find NRCM’s up-to-the-minute news releases to see our perspective on the most pressing issues facing Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife. This includes findings relating to our role as Maine’s watchdog of activities of state environmental agencies—we stand ready to blow the whistle when regulations are not enforced.
You can also find our news “round up,” News & Noteworthy, which puts the spotlight on media stories that do a particularly good job capturing current news about Maine's environment. We hope you find this part of our website helpful and informative!
South Portland Voters Likely to See Ordinance to Block Tar Sands on November Ballot
By Seth Koenig, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine —A group hoping to block transportation of so-called tar sands oil through South Portland — one end of the Portland-Montreal Pipeline — have gathered four times the number of signatures needed to put a prohibitive new ordinance on the November ballot. If Read More
Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Create Paint Recycling Program
Has Broad Support from Paint Industry, Towns, Environmental Groups, and Retail Stores NRCM and PSI press release (Augusta, ME)—With strong bipartisan support, the Maine Legislature today enacted a bill to create an industry-run collection and recycling program for leftover household paint. If allowed to become law by Governor Paul LePage, the bill (LD 1308) would Read More
The Lobbyist in the Henhouse: Whose Interest is Maine’s DEP Commissioner Serving?
by Colin Woodard, staff writer Portland Press Herald news story For two years, public servant Patricia Aho has overseen Maine’s environmental protection. But whom does she really serve? A seven-month investigation by the Telegram points to her former corporate clients. Part 1 of a 3-day series. HERE’S WHAT WE FOUND A Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Read More
Sources Describe a Department Under Duress
Colin Woodard, PPH staff writer Portland Press Herald news story AUGUSTA – Every change of administration brings a change in priorities, and in early 2011 staffers within the Department of Environmental Protection fully expected Gov. Paul LePage to direct them to reduce regulatory burdens on business. What actually happened shocked nearly everyone, including workers who Read More
Enough Signatures Collected
by Jack Flagler, Staff Writer The Sentry news story SOUTH PORTLAND – A group of South Portland residents hoping to block the transport of tar sands oil from Canada to Maine say they have collected enough signatures to include a citizens’ initiative on city ballots this November. The group, Concerned Citizens of South Portland, announced Read More
Harrison Passes Resolution Opposing Tar Sands Oil
by Leslie Dixon, staff writer Sun Journal news story HARRISON — Voters at Tuesday’s annual town meeting approved a resolution expressing their concern and opposition to any form of processed tar sands being piped through the town. The vote was 156-59. Harrison became the sixth town in Maine, including Bethel and Waterford, to oppose the Read More
Harrison Residents Pass Resolution Opposing Sending Tar Sands Oil Through Town
NRCM news release Harrison, ME — Harrison residents voted 156-59 Tuesday to pass a municipal resolution stating opposition to sending tar sands oil through ExxonMobil’s Portland-Montreal Pipeline, making it the sixth Maine town to publicly and officially oppose the proposal. The 62-year-old pipeline, which stretches 236 miles from Montreal to South Portland, is being considered Read More
Maine Legislature Enacts Sweeping Energy Bill, Despite Veto Threat
by Patty B. Wight MPBN news story It’s being touted as an unprecedented solution to one of Maine’s most pressing problems: The House and Senate today passed a bipartisan bill aimed at cutting energy costs. The support comes in spite of an expected veto by Gov. Paul LePage, who is unhappy with two components of Read More